The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-02-18
TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE BILL.
How 1t Proposes to Curtail Power Re-
lating to Purchases and Contracts.
An Appropriation for the Militia Causes a
Long Debate, and Salary Measure Is
Determinedly Fought in the Senate.


confidence in the system Of business applying to
that Office Several legislators, at the beginning
of the session, conceived reform along the line,
and tho bills drafted and introduced, excepting
one measure, that of Representative Gordon,
Dad political motives in reference to Marion
sounty, or a purpose to let the old system drop
EASILY. The MEASURE that had significant par
tisan color camo from Representative Clarke 1t
proposed that each township should elect three
trustees, one Of whom should perform the duties
devolving upon a trustee as at present, another
the service Of township assessor, and the third
that of road supervisor. This would require an
election next spring. and destroy the effects of
the victory Republicans won in Center township
last spring 1t would throw out OF office the
Republican trustee and assessor. The local
Democrats have never been able to adapt them
selves to the change in the latter Office, particu
arly the County Commissioners. who remember
their defeat in trying to maintain high real
estate values in this county 1t is presumed that
they have been secretly favoring this scheme for
three trustees. AS introduced by Representative
Clarke, and, while no open activity has been dis
played in its favor, hopes were attached to it
that by some means, it could be worked upon
the House. The Gardiner bill somewhat radi-
cally limited the purchasing powers of trustees,
and on this the Democrats made quiet but en-
,reetic fight. What they did belonged to their
oolicy OF obstruction, pursued in all important
measures from the first Gay the
General Assembly began its proceedings.
In wcrd, they did not want
tn. Gardiner bill to come within anything like
chance OF passing. The other measures es-
pecial.y those of Representatives Clark and
Cruson, the two being similar, we're relied on
as the means to defeat the Gardiner PROPOSE
ton. If this was done. one or the other would
asrhaps find an opportunity to pass the House
aud then 70 to the Senate, where it would
meet like bill. But there is other prospective
legislation by which tho Marion County Com
missioners hope to reach their wish in having
an annual salary of considerable amount, in
stead of per diem. The two bills looking to
this end--one from Representative Griffths
and the other from Senator Baley-will cross
each other at some time in their progress In
both salaries provided for Center township
assessor and trustee. The Commissioners, it
lie supposed, are not anxious TO let these officers
share in the bountiful provision they expect,
but to give the measures a spirit Of non
partisan fairness they invited pooling of is-
sues, and had a Republican to introduce the
measure in the House and Democrat in the
Senate The bills providing for three town
ship trustees were then sent working along a
line that, in the event of success, would vir-
taally destroy any salaries that would be at
taehed to the Offices of Center township as
SCISSOR and trustee. AS result, the Marion
County Commissioners would get their salaries,
while the Center township assessor and trus tee
ing that the duties Of those offices should be
performed, respectively, by two of the three
trvstaeG td be elected.
When all of the township trnstee bills APP
peared in the House, yesterday, with commit
tee report recommending indefinite postpone
ment os those of Clarke and Cruson the friends
of these measures soaght to defeat the report,
bat it failed. A stubborn resistance WAS then
made to the Gardiner bill, which a aiority
Of special committee reported favorably, with
amendments while the minority recommended
the passage of the Clarke bill alter it should be
amended. The latter was voted down. and then
Representative Gordon took thelead in opposing
the Gardiner bill by moving to indefinitely post
pene the majority report. 1t made very mar
row escape. the vote being tie. Encouraged
by this showing Representative Gordon moved
to lay the majority report on the table, which
also failed, did a further one to strike out the
enacting cleuse of the bill. The bill then had ne
further trouble in gong to engrossment pnde
the operation of the previous question, If the
bill becomes law trustees Of civil and schoo
townships must file with the county auditor a
least ten days before the first day of the session
of the county commissioners a statement ii
writing and under oath containing a complett
list of all articles likely to be needed, of worl
likely to be done. and OF bridges or building
likely to he constructed or begun in ths eevera
school and road districts of his township for tn,
three months next ensuing after such session o
a nj a Inn
before any purchase or contract for supplies o
any kind or for any work can b
made Accompanying the statemert mus
be the prics at which each articl
said township. This statement, with the price
thereon, shall oe subject at all times, in tn
auditors Office. TO the inspection of voters an
taxpayers. Any taxpayer or tax payers q
such township shall have the right to file wit
the auditor or county commissioners. objection
to the purchase of any or all snch articles. Sue
objections are to be tried an issue before th
county commissioners. and they shall take prt
eedence over all other business. If it is foun
that the objections are unreasonable. the orde
for purchase or contract shall be allowed. an
otherwise, the order to do so shall be withheld,
The conclusions OF the commissioners can appl
TO any or all of the articles Provisions al
made for the immediate repairs of bridges an
buildings between the sessions of the eommi
sioners by having tho latter consider the reau
sitions or statements therefor at once. but II
trustees expend for repairs $100, and unde
without the immaculate consent of the commi
Rioners. If any trustee shall desire 10 issue
Gete warrant for any legal indebtedness
shall FIRST present the same to the count
auditor. who is to register it, together with
statement as to the consideration for such no
warrant. Any contract. note or warrant n
made in accordance with the provisions of til
act shall be void. Under the bill the trzste
are required to make with each statement
report of their expenditures for the poor dnri,
the preceding three months.
Tine ways and means committee win report
day the appropriations which have been
~ 10 amount two years ago, but as
is given out, not radically. All items of expen
will be covered except that reatingto the futu
care OF the Capitol building under arrangement
made with the contractors pending its comp
tion. A bill to perfect this plan is now in char
Of a Senate committee and it is not known
actly what expenditure it will make necessa,
Gt,ta thin rs;t 10 To- rr